Workstation

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a workstation that includes a planar tray; a semi-circular body-recess in an edge of the planar tray; a telescoping column supporting the planar tray; and a foot trigger for releasing or locking the telescoping column. Also disclosed is a workstation that includes a first tray having a top surface, a first edge and a second edge. The second edge opposes the first edge. A second tray is hingedly attached to the first tray; and a cushioned member is in resting communication with the top surface of the planar tray and closer to the first edge of the planar tray than to said second edge. Additionally, a portable workstation is disclosed that includes a planar tray that has a first side and a second side. The second side opposes the first side. A first disc-tray is attached to the first side and a second disc-tray is attached to the second side.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to a portable workstation for operablysupporting a keyboard or laptop, a mouse and miscellaneous items.

BACKGROUND

In recent years the laptop portable personal computer, or simply“laptop” to which it is generally referred, has become an increasinglypopular tool used by executives, salespersons, engineers, students,accountants, teachers, homemakers, lawyers and other business andprofessional persons. The laptop is very compact and is designed to restin the user's lap so that the user has a “built-in” place for supportingthe laptop when the user is seated. While this “built-in” supportinglocation is convenient, it has many drawbacks. For one, the user's legsmust be held still in order to keep the laptop from moving around. Thisis uncomfortable and can often be a tiring exercise. Additionally, theuser must have good balance to maintain the laptop in a position, whichcan be particularly difficult when the user is using the laptop inconjunction with reading notes, books or other materials, as is oftenthe case.

Previous stands have been disclosed that provide a laptop reading andwriting stand. However, previous stands suffer from the same problemsconnected with laptop computers because they usually rest on the lap ofthe user with no aid for balancing nor do they make use of the laptopmore convenient. These previous stands have not been configured suchthat manufacture and use thereof are simplified nor are a variety ofapplications provided. Furthermore, previous stands, at least forstorage and transport, have not been configured such that they could bebroken-down compactly and easy to reassemble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIVE ASPECTS

Some embodiments of the disclosed invention are directed toward aworkstation that includes a planar tray, a semi-circular body-recess inan edge of the planar tray, a telescoping column supporting the planartray, and a foot trigger for releasing or locking the telescopingcolumn. Embodiments of the workstation also include a pneumaticcylinder, which is actuated by the foot trigger, in operablecommunication with the telescoping column.

Additionally, embodiments of the workstation further include anangularly adjustable tray having a first edge in hinged communicationwith the planar tray. Also, a first auxiliary tray attached to theplanar tray is included in various embodiments of the workstation. Asecond auxiliary tray can be attached to the first auxiliary tray. Or,the first and second auxiliary trays can both be attached directly tothe planar tray.

Also, a pad lining a border of the semi-circular body-recess can bepresent for ease of use of the workstation. The pad can line the edge ofthe planar tray or it can be positioned on the angularly adjustable traysuch that a person can rest their wrists on the pad when using theworkstation.

An additional embodiment of the workstation includes a first tray havinga top surface, a first edge and a second edge. In this embodiment, thesecond edge opposes the first edge. This embodiment also includes asecond tray hingedly attached to the first tray; and a cushioned memberin resting communication with the top surface of the first tray suchthat it is closer to the first edge of the first tray than to the secondedge of the first tray.

This embodiment of the workstation also includes a vertically adjustablecolumn that supports the first tray. A pneumatic cylinder can beincluded such that it is in operable communication with the verticallyadjustable column. The pneumatic cylinder can be actuated by a foottrigger placed at the bottom of the vertically adjustable column. Thefirst edge of the first tray can be formed to have a semi-circularbody-recess to allow for a person using the workstation to get closer towhatever object is sitting on the workstation, i.e. a laptop,typewriter, etc.

A first auxiliary tray can be attached to the first tray. Also, a secondauxiliary tray can be attached to the first tray or a second auxiliarytray can be attached to the first auxiliary tray.

An additional embodiment of the workstation is a portable workstationthat includes a planar tray having a first side and a second side. Thesecond side of the planar tray in this embodiment opposes the first sideof the planar tray. Also included in this embodiment of the workstationare a first disc-tray that is attached to the first side of the planartray; and a second disc-tray attached to the second side of the planartray. An angularly adjustable keyboard tray can be hinged at one of itsedges to the planar support tray. The adjustable keyboard tray can beadjusted to make use of the workstation easier for typing, reading, etc.

A column, which can be vertically adjustable, can be used to support theplanar tray in this embodiment of the workstation. The verticallyadjustable column can be operably connected to a pneumatic cylinder thatis actuated by a foot trigger at the bottom of the column. The pneumaticcylinder can also be in communication with said pneumatic cylinder andconfigured to actuate said pneumatic cylinder.

The planar tray of this embodiment of the workstation can also include arecessed third side. The recessed third side can include a cushionedpad. The cushioned pad can be along an edge of the recessed third sideor it can be set on top of the planar tray near the recessed third side.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a shows an embodiment of the inventive workstation;

FIG. 1 b shows an alternative configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the vertically adjustable columnrevealing the pneumatic cylinder;

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the inventive workstation;

FIG. 4 shows yet an additional embodiment of the inventive workstation;

FIG. 5 a shows a user's view of the embodiment of the inventiveworkstation of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 b shows a side view of the embodiment of the inventiveworkstation of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 c shows an upper and lower sleeve assembly; and

FIG. 6 shows an exploded bottom view of the embodiment of the inventiveworkstation of FIG. 4 and a column for supporting the inventiveworkstation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of the inventive workstation2 that includes a planar tray 4, a semi-circular body-recess 6 in anedge 8 of the planar tray 4, a column 10, which can be a telescopingcolumn, supporting the planar tray 4, and a foot trigger 12 forreleasing or locking the telescoping column 10. In this embodiment, theworkstation 2 also can include a pneumatic cylinder 14, which isactuated by the foot trigger 12, in operable communication with thetelescoping column 10. In addition, while the present embodiment depictbody-recess 6 as being semi-circular, a skilled artisan will recognizethat body recess 6 can be of any useful shape, including withoutlimitation, oval, square, rectangular, elliptical, etc.

This embodiment of the workstation further includes an angularlyadjustable tray 16 having a first edge 18 in hinged communication withthe planar tray 4. A first auxiliary tray 20 is attached to the planartray 4. A second auxiliary tray 22 can be attached to the firstauxiliary tray 20. The second auxiliary tray 22 can be made to rotatealong an axis parallel to the first auxiliary tray 20 so that it can bestored underneath the first auxiliary tray 20. Alternatively, the firstand second auxiliary trays can both be attached directly to the planartray as shown in FIG. 1 a and an additional third auxiliary tray 24 canbe attached to an opposite side of the planar tray 4 as the firstauxiliary tray 20. Similar to the second auxiliary tray, a yetadditional auxiliary tray (not shown) can be rotatably attached to theadditional third auxiliary tray and be made to rotate along an axisparallel to the third auxiliary tray 24.

A pad 26 lines a border of the semi-circular body-recess 6 and iscushioned so that a person pressing up against the workstation is metwith a soft surface. The pad 26 can also line the edge 8 of the planartray 4 or it can be positioned on a surface of the angularly adjustabletray 16 such that a person can rest her wrists or elbows on the pad 26when using the workstation 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, an additional embodiment of the workstation 106includes a first tray 104 having a top surface 106, a first edge 108 anda second edge 110. In this embodiment, the second edge 110 opposes thefirst edge 108. This embodiment also includes a second tray 112 hingedlyattached to the first tray 104; and a cushioned member 114 in restingcommunication with the top surface 106 of the first tray 104 such thatit is closer to the first edge 108 of the first tray 104 than to thesecond edge 110 of the first tray 104.

This embodiment of the workstation 102 also includes a verticallyadjustable column 116 that supports the first tray 104. A pneumaticcylinder (not shown) can be included such that it is in operablecommunication with the vertically adjustable column 116. The pneumaticcylinder can be actuated by a foot trigger 118 placed at the bottom ofthe vertically adjustable column 116. The first edge 108 of the firsttray 104 can be formed to have a semi-circular body-recess 120 to allowfor a person using the workstation to get closer to whatever object issitting on the workstation, i.e. a laptop, typewriter, etc. While thepresent embodiment depicts body-recess 120 as being semi-circular, askilled artisan will recognize that body-recess 120 can be of any usefulshape, including without limitation, oval, square, rectangular,elliptical, etc.

A first auxiliary tray 122 is attached to the first tray 104. The firstauxiliary tray 122 is useful as a mouse pad or coffee cup holder and ismade to rotate underneath the first tray 104 when not being used. Also,a second auxiliary tray (not shown) is positioned on a side of theworkstation opposite the first auxiliary tray 122 to provide additionalsurface space for documents or miscellaneous items.

An additional embodiment of the workstation 202 is shown in FIG. 4 andincludes a planar tray 204 having a first side 206 and a second side208. The second side 208 of the planar tray 204 in this embodimentopposes the first side 206 of the planar tray 204. Also included in thisembodiment of the workstation 202 are a first disc-tray 210 that isattached to the first side 206 of the planar tray 204; and a seconddisc-tray 212 attached to the second side 208. An angularly adjustabletray 214 can be hinged at one of its edges to the planar support tray204. The planar tray 204 of this embodiment of the workstation 202 alsoincludes a recessed third side 232. The recessed third side 232 includesa cushioned pad 234. The cushioned pad 234 can be along an edge 236 ofthe recessed third side 232 or it can be set on top of the planar tray204 near the recessed third side 232.

Referring to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, the adjustable tray 214 can be adjustedto make use of the workstation easier for typing, reading, etc. Theadjustable tray 214 can be locked in place by a screw or a pin 218 incombination with an upper sleeve 220 a and a lower sleeve 220 b as shownin FIG. 5 b. If a screw (not shown) is used, the screw can be tightenedsuch that upper sleeve 220 a is pushed up against a back inner surfaceof lower sleeve 220 b.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 c, the lower sleeve 220b can have an elongated slot 222 along a substantial portion thereof sothat the screw, which is permanently engaged with the upper sleeve 220a, is slidable along the elongated slot 222. When the screw istightened, the upper sleeve 220 a is locked in place. Alternatively, ifa pin 218 is used, the pin 218 can be spring loaded (but it is notnecessary that it is) such that it is urged toward the interior of thesleeves 220 a and 220 b. The lower sleeve 220 b still has an elongatedslot 222. The upper sleeve 220 a has recesses or holes 226 therein forengagement with the pin 218. The upper sleeve 220 a is locked into placewhen the pin 218 engages a hole 226 in the upper sleeve 220 a throughthe elongated slot 222.

The adjustable tray 214 can be also be locked using a pair ofmulti-grooved disks (not shown) located at the hinge of the adjustabletray 214. Multi-grooved discs typically have a flat side and a groovedside. The grooves of the disc are arranged such that they extend alongthe disc's surface outward from the disc's axis around the entiresurface of the grooved side. Multi-grooved discs interact with eachother such that the grooves of one disk interact with the grooves of asecond disc. Usually, the discs are urged together by an external forcesuch a spring or screw. The multi-grooved disks in this embodiment canplaced at either or both of the hinges for the adjustable tray 214 andcan be urged together either by the screw or bolt that holds theadjustable tray 214 attached to the hinge or by a spring that isindependent of the hinge. The screw can be adjusted based on the user'spreference.

A lap engaging section 216 is added to a bottom surface of the planartray 216. As shown in FIG. 5 a, the lap engaging section 216 is formedto fit the contour of most people's laps. This embodiment can be usedwhere a person would like to rest the workstation on his lap without theability to place the workstation on the floor. For example, if a personwishes to use the workstation in a car, train, etc., a person can simplyrest the station on his lap without the need to for extra floor spacethat is typically not offered in cars or trains. Compartments 224 a and224 b can be added to the lap engaging section 216. The compartments 224a and 224 b can be used to store miscellaneous items such as writingutensils, computer peripherals, etc. For security reasons, a coverhaving a lock (not shown) can be placed over each of the compartments224 a and 224 b.

As shown in FIG. 6, an optional column 228, which can be verticallyadjustable, is used to support the planar tray 204 in this embodiment ofthe workstation. The top 238 of the column 228 engages with the planartray 204 through an opening 230 in the bottom of the lap engagingsection 216. The column 228 of the present embodiment is operablyconnected to a pneumatic cylinder (not shown) that is actuated by a foottrigger 240 at the bottom of the column. An upper portion 246 of thecolumn 228 raises and lowers in relation to a lower portion 248 of thecolumn 228 when the pneumatic cylinder is actuated. Typically, thepneumatic cylinder will be placed within the column 228; however, thisis not a requirement. Also, the column 228 is but one component of anoverall support stand 242. The support stand includes at least the foottrigger 240, casters 244, and the column 228. Lastly, a person havingordinary skill in the art will understand that a pneumatic cylinder isnot the only way to raise and lower a vertically adjustable column;similar to the locking mechanism used with the adjustable tray 214, ascrew mechanism, a pin-and-recess mechanism, etc. can be used to adjustcolumn 228 and lock it in place.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. For example, one or more elements canbe rearranged and/or combined, or additional elements may be added.Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

1. A workstation comprising: a planar tray; a body-recess in an edge ofsaid planar tray; a telescoping column supporting said planar tray; anda foot trigger for releasing or locking said telescoping column.
 2. Aworkstation as recited in claim 1 further comprising a pneumaticcylinder in operable communication with said telescoping column.
 3. Aworkstation as recited in claim 2 wherein said pneumatic cylinder is incommunication with and actuated by said foot trigger.
 4. A workstationas recited in claim 1 further comprising an angularly adjustable trayhaving a first edge in hinged communication with said planar tray.
 5. Aworkstation as recited in claim 4 further comprising a first auxiliarytray attached to said planar tray.
 6. A workstation as recited in claim5 further comprising a second auxiliary tray attached to said firstauxiliary tray.
 7. A workstation as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a first auxiliary tray attached to said planar tray.
 8. Aworkstation as recited in claim 7 further comprising a second auxiliarytray attached to said planar tray.
 9. A workstation as recited in claim7 further comprising a second auxiliary tray attached to said firstauxiliary tray.
 10. A workstation as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a pad lining a border of said body-recess.
 11. A workstationas recited in claim 1 further comprising a pad lining said edge of saidplanar tray.
 12. A workstation comprising a first tray having a topsurface, a first edge and a second edge, said second edge opposing saidfirst edge; a second tray hingedly attached to said first tray; and acushioned member in resting communication with said top surface andcloser to said first edge than to said second edge.
 13. A workstation asrecited in claim 12 further comprising a column supporting said firsttray.
 14. A workstation as recited in claim 13 wherein said column isvertically adjustable.
 15. A workstation as recited in claim 14 furthercomprising a pneumatic cylinder in operable communication with saidvertically adjustable column.
 16. A workstation as recited in claim 15further comprising a foot trigger in communication with said pneumaticcylinder and configured to actuate said pneumatic cylinder.
 17. Aworkstation as recited in claim 12 wherein said first edge is furthercomprised of a body-recess.
 18. A workstation as recited in claim 12further comprising a first auxiliary tray attached to said first tray.19. A workstation as recited in claim 18 further comprising a secondauxiliary tray attached to said first tray.
 20. A workstation as recitedin claim 18 further comprising a second auxiliary tray attached to saidfirst auxiliary tray.
 21. A portable workstation comprising a planartray having a first side and a second side, said second side opposingsaid first side; a first disc-tray attached to said first side; and asecond disc-tray attached to said second side.
 22. A portableworkstation as recited in claim 21 further comprised of a columnsupporting said planar tray.
 23. A portable workstation as recited inclaim 22 wherein said column is vertically adjustable.
 24. A portableworkstation as recited in claim 23 further comprising a pneumaticcylinder in operable communication with said vertically adjustablecolumn.
 25. A portable workstation as recited in claim 24 furthercomprising a foot trigger in communication with said pneumatic cylinderand configured to actuate said pneumatic cylinder.
 26. A portableworkstation as recited in claim 21 wherein said planar tray furthercomprises a recessed third side.
 27. A portable workstation as recitedin claim 26 wherein said recessed third side comprises a cushioned pad.28. A portable workstation as recited in claim 21 further comprised ofan angularly adjustable tray hinged at one edge thereof to said planarsupport tray.